Disclaimer: See chapter 1

Ch. 2

May, 2000.

Alan Shore walked into Carruthers-Abbott for his first day of work. He had been sought out by Robert Carruthers, the senior partner, to join the law firm, which had him feeling pretty smug. He got into the elevator and pressed the button for the ninth floor. As the door closed, he raised and opened his briefcase to check his not on where he was supposed to meet everyone. Conference Room A.

The elevator dinged as he was closing his briefcase, and he began to exit without looking up. As he stepped out, he ran straight into someone. Papers went flying and he dropped his briefcase. He quickly stooped to pick up the papers, and his eyes were met with a pair of black stiletto heels, right toe tapping angrily.

He grabbed the papers and slowly stood, his eyes sliding over a shapely pair of legs in a knee-length skirt, dainty hands resting on beautifully flared hips, a trim waist. He meant to keep his eyes moving until he got to her face. He really did. But, they became locked on the loveliest breasts he had ever seen, showcased by a form-fitting, low-cut silk top. He didn't know how long he stood there, but he was brought out of his trance by the sound of the mystery woman clearing her throat.

He tore his eyes away and was just as enthralled by the face he finally focused on. She had a trim nose, full, luscious lips, gorgeous jet-black hair that fell just below her shoulders, and deep hazel eyes that were narrowed in his direction. "Uh…" It wasn't often that Alan Shore was left speechless, but he just couldn't form a coherent thought.

She let out an exasperated sigh and thrust out her hand. "My papers, please?"

"Uh…"

"My papers! There! In your hands!" She pointed at his hands, causing him to finally look down.

"Oh! My goodness, I am so sorry!" He straightened up the pile as best he could and handed them over.

"Great. Now I've got to completely reorganize these! I'm going to be late now!"

"Again, I really am sorry," he said as he picked up his briefcase.

She was already walking away. "Perhaps next time you can actually watch where you're going," she said without looking back.

As she continued down the hall, he watched her hips sway back and forth, praying he would see this nameless angel again. He sighed, then turned and headed in the opposite direction to try and find Conference Room A.

He didn't catch his angel taking a peak over her shoulder to get another glimpse at him.

Alan wandered the maze-like hallways of Carruthers-Abbot, finally locating Conference Room A after asking a secretary for directions. He found the door open, so he peeked his head in. A quick glance around showed him a flat-screen TV on one wall, a ceiling-mounted projector, a pull-down screen on another wall, and a long conference table, all but two chairs filled. Everyone was mid-conversation, failing to notice the man standing in the doorway, so he knocked.

Conversation died down a bit, and Robert Carruthers, who was at the head of the table, stood to greet him. "Ah, Alan! Good to see you," he said, extending his hand.

Alan took it, saying, "Thank you, Mr. Carruthers."

"Robert, please."

"Alright. Robert."

"Everyone, this is Alan Shore, our newest associate. Alan this is James Abbot, my partner." Alan shook his hand as Robert continued introductions around the table. He knew he'd never remember anyone's names after this first meeting. "We're just waiting on one more…"

He was interrupted by a commotion at the door. "Oh, here she is now. Alan, this is Renata Hill."

Alan turned to face the door, and was thrilled to see his angel. And now she had a name. "Renata," he said aloud. He smiled at her.

She glared at him slightly. "Yes, we've met," she said as she moved to her chair. "I apologize for my tardiness; I had a bit of an accident in the hallway." She glanced at Alan pointedly.

"It's alright, Renata. We were just finishing up our introductions. Alan, why don't you have a seat?" Robert gestured to the sole remaining chair. "We have these meetings every Monday and Thursday. Attendance is expected, unless you have a court date. We try to keep abreast of all the cases our firm is handling, so we use this time to catch up."

Alan nodded as he settled into his chair and removed his notepad from his briefcase.

"Let's get started, shall we?"

Alan tried to pay close attention, wanting to understand how these meeting were run so he could conform right away. From time to time he would glance at Renata. He was amused at the utterly bored look on her face. He smiled subconsciously. Just then, she turned her head and caught him looking at her. He smiled at her again, and she returned his smile in spite of herself. She caught herself quickly and returned her face to its bored expression.

He mentally congratulated himself on getting through to her, even if it was just a little bit. He'd already made up his mind that he would wear her down. Renata Hill would end up in his bed eventually, he was sure of it.

TBC...